Phone scheme targeting elderly residents

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NAMPA, Idaho (KBOI) - The Better Business Bureau is warning elderly residents about schemers trying to get personal information by posing as a Medicare or Social Security worker.

Randall Prohl of Nampa received a call like that from someone claiming to be from Medicare.

They were asking Prohl to confirm his bank information. He said he knew something was wrong when the person said he wouldn't get his monthly check.

"You'll have to give us your bank name and number," said Prohl. "I said I'm not going to do that,and then he reiterated that in order to get my Medicare credits and what not I would have to do that."

The problem is that Medicare covers medical cost, while Social Security sends a monthly check to seniors. Prohl never gave them his information, and the caller became so upset he said he would cancel his Medicare.

BBB notes that someone from Medicare or Social Security will never call out of the blue, and ask for personal information.